Beyondthelensstudio

Etsy Shop Name: Beyondthelensstudio

What you sell: Right now I am selling photographs, photo cards and gift tags, as well as handmade paper cards and gift tags. I have recently started working on some paintings, and am beginning to list some of those in my shop. I have a wide range of artistic interests and am always working on something new.

Tell us about your featured item: Layered Pink is my newest shop item and painting. The idea for this piece came from a handmade paper card that I currently sell in my shop. This card has a large layered flower on the front that I felt would also look good as a painting. I like the style of it, and the way that it pops off the canvas. I am looking forward to exploring this style and design more in the future.

How do you decide on the price of your products?

I don’t have a set equation for pricing my products, I’m basically learning as I go. I have been adding up the cost of the supplies for my items; I then take into consideration the amount of time it took me to create it and attempt to add a price to that. Then I add the two together and that is how I come up with the price of my products. My biggest problem with this is figuring out what the value of my time is worth, this is something that I consistently work on.

How do you market your Etsy shop?

I have only recently begun to promote my shop, even though I have had my shop since June. My focus for marketing, at the moment, is online. I have my own website with blog – that you can find at http://www.beyondthelensstudio.com/, I’m also on MySpace, Flickr, and Stylehive. I also have business cards that I pass out to people. It takes quite a bit of work, but I have seen quite a bit more traffic coming through my shop and website in the short time that I have been marketing.

Roska Handmade

Etsy Shop Name: Roska Handmade

What you sell: Mostly handmade notebooks, but I have also sold badges and postcards and hope to expand soon to include some of my original art.

Tell us about your featured item: The Italian Hits – Renewed Album Cover Notebook is my favorite item right now. Like all my notebooks, it’s made of repurposed materials that I get at SCRAP here in San Francisco. The colors are bright and fun and the girls are cute in their retro wear. I love using old record covers for these notebooks, especially these compilation type albums, the graphics are always so much fun. Another cool thing about this notebook is that I was able to use an interior sleeve from another record album for the inside covers.

Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?

I suppose so, in that I have started a business on my own. I don’t always feel like an entrepreneur, but I suppose that that will come with time, hopefully as my business becomes more successful. Though, to be honest, it is not the business side of this endeavor that is interesting to me. I would be much happier having someone else take care of the “hard” stuff while I just made books and buttons.

Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?

I definitely feel more comfortable with the crafting side. When I decided to sell my books on Etsy I had given very little thought to the business side of things. Spending time in the Crafting and Business section gave me an idea of what I was getting myself into. I’m still struggling with aspects of getting my business together, especially trying to juggle my 9 to 5 job and my crafting job. I also do not feel comfortable promoting myself; I am very shy about handing out business cards and telling people “in real life” (not just on the internet) about my business. The crafting side, on the other hand, is just me at my apartment watching movies and making a big mess with my paper cutter. Which I can totally deal with.

fubabee--Lisa’s Design Studio

Etsy Shop Name: fubabee – Lisa’s Design Studio

What you sell: I sell personalized stationery and wedding invitations

Tell us about your featured item: This is my first wedding invitation layout. It was also the first to be sold, and is the most popular set to date. It’s a little different than your standard wedding invitation. I think that’s why this set gets the most inquiries. It’s fun.

How do you decide on the price of your products?

Pricing has always been a hot issue. For me, I make sure I cover all my costs first and foremost. Because this is as much an investment as it is a hobby, I always look for ways to reduce my expenses, my costs of goods sold. I definitely buy in bulk to save and factor shipping, packaging and labeling costs into my products. Without giving away my formula, I’ll also say that the amount of work it takes to create say, one set of note cards from start to finish, is factored in as well. What I haven’t factored in is the initial amount of time spent on product development. That’s definitely something to consider in the future, although right now, I’m happy to consider that part of general administrative time.

How do you market your Etsy shop?

I do a lot of background research first. A LOT of reading. I google market trends and read stories on the wedding and retail industries. I visit well-known shops, boutiques, blogs, sub to newsletters. All of this information gives me ideas on how to better put myself out there. I’ve set up my own blog, and am in the midst of setting up my own full website. I join social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, and join street teams on Etsy. In short, the way I market myself depends on what my goal is. Last year my goal was just to start selling. This year I am looking to get mentions in magazines. I think your success depends on your goals. You just can’t promote blindly. You have to have a purpose to it.

Michele Maule

Etsy Shop Name: Michele Maule

What you sell: I sell original mixed media paintings. On occasion I have been known to sell handmade books and so reproduction prints of my work. I’ve been pretty busy with the paintings over the last few months, so the prints and books have kind of taken a backseat.

Tell us about your featured item: This is one of my original paintings. It’s called three trees and it’s a self portrait. Here I have used a number of different processes to make this piece. It’s a combination of collage, gesso, drawing, oil paint and beeswax. It’s painted on a solid pine panel. My fiancé is currently attending the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He works in the woodshop two days a week and during that time he builds these beautiful panels for me. I wanted to do a small series of self portraits mostly because I had never done them before. I was also interested in doing a more graphic novel illustration of myself.

How do you decide on the price of your products?

This is a really difficult process for me. I feel that everyone has the right to be able to afford original pieces of art. I know that a lot of people that shop on Etsy aren’t all millionaires. However, I know that my work is quality and that I make some pretty nice pieces. I sell my work for quite a bit more in galleries, or coffee shops, and I have tried pricing my work on Etsy at the same prices, but they just don’t sell. So, I subtract the percentage that a gallery, or other venue, would take and use that as my price.

How do you market your Etsy shop?

I like to participate in Forums and I re-list quite a bit. When I list items, I list every couple of days and not all on the same day. I have a blog, but I am not sure that really relates to any of my sales. I mostly use it as a sort of journal. Sometimes I talk about my work, or other shops and artists, but it’s mostly about me. I think that when it comes to art, people tend to want to know more about the artist. Their background and where they are coming from, so I think that in a way it’s nice to have a blog that isn’t just about my shop. My friends also like it because it gives them something to read at work J I also use word of mouth. I was considering placing some ads in a local paper, or posting a flyer in some local craft shops or coffee shops, but right now I am getting ready for two gallery shows and going to school, so Etsy hasn’t been a huge priority for me the last couple of weeks.

Ikow Designs

Etsy Shop Name: Ikow Designs

What you sell: Handcrafted Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Filled jewelry, specializing in the art of Chainmaille

Tell us about your featured item: My featured item is not one of my own design, but happens to be from the best set of pictures I’ve ever taken of my jewelry (photography is not a strong point for me). It’s the Barrels chainmaille weave in 20 gauge Sterling Silver rings. At a mere 6mm wide, this is a very delicate and somewhat airy looking weave, but is very strong and made to last a lifetime. It is simply stunning to see.

Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?

My shop is currently a part-time job, but I really hope it will lead into a full-time career.

Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?

I don’t enjoy the record keeping end of the business, but I don’t mind doing it. It comes with the territory. If you want to run a business, you have to learn what to do and know how to handle all aspects of it… that is unless you can afford to hire someone. It is frustrating, though, trying to find out everything you need to know, especially when it comes to filing taxes.

The Happy Hippie

Etsy Shop Name: The Happy Hippie

What you sell: I primarily sell hemp jewelry, but I also like to make hippie love beads and key chains. I recently introduced a line called “Designs by Dawn”, which features jewelry (mostly bracelets) made by my friend Dawn.

Tell us about your featured item: I love my featured item! It's a custom-made hemp anklet. You can choose which color(s) of beads you want and what size, and I'll make it just the way you want it! I've gotten great response to this item so far, and it's a great accessory for summer.


Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners consider the business side of their shop the most challenging?

Honestly, from what I've seen, and from my own experience, it's simply a lot more fun and motivating to be designing and creating new items than it is to actually go through the listing process and promote your shop. For people that love to craft, the serious/business side of all that really isn't all that interesting and/or fun.

Is this your first entrepreneurial adventure, or are you a seasoned veteran?

I actually started selling my handmade jewelry as early as 5th grade. I've sold my jewelry on and off for the past several years informally, but my Etsy shop is my first “serious” attempt at really running my own business, and I'm really enjoying my successes so far!

VintiqueTreasures

Etsy Shop Name: Vintique Treasures

What you sell: I make handcrafted dollhouse miniature houseplants and vanity sets, in the 1” / 12” scale. I also sell antique and vintage supplies to other artists on Etsy. My ephemera packets include paper items that can date as early as the 1860s, to as late as the 1960s. I list found items that can include such things as jewelry and findings, antique lace, vintage sewing supplies, Victorian trade cards, early postcards and cigarette cards, old hardware etc. If I believe something old of quality can be recycled into a potential artistic statement, I’ll place it in my shop. I invite you to visit Vintique Treasures at Etsy and have a look! Thanks!

Tell us about your featured item: Here’s an example of the type of ephemera assemblage I offer on Etsy. I included photos from the late 1800s through the 1940s, 2 color bookplates published in the 1940s, a 1960s Walt Whitman reproduction of Civil War currency, produced for play and Civil War reenactments, an early 1910s hand tatted appliqué, 1914 birthday postcard, late 1800s salesman sample hidden name calling card, 1949 unused advertising calendar and expense pocket booklet, old steel bobbins, wooden needle case, thread label, Ohio vendor revenue stamp, and a 1920s Sew-n-Learn card.

Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?

I began selling on Etsy in December 2007, so I am classifying this shop as a part time job.

Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?

I’m not fond of record keeping, although I understand it is crucial to evaluating one’s progress. I am aware that it is a safeguard for the business as well, to justify deductions come tax time. If my shop’s sales were to soar, I would consider hiring a person to do the record keeping, so that I could concentrate on product development and promotion.

Xiane

Etsy Shop Name: Xiane & Threeravens

What you sell: I sell bath and body products that are crafted from predominantly organic ingredients, and fiber art and creations such as hand spun yarn .

Tell us about your featured item:
Threeravens Herb and Apple Vinegar Rinse and Toner – this is a very gentle toner for skin, as well as a fantastic clarifying rinse for the hair. I create it with organic apple cider vinegar and organic herbs that I select for their restorative, cleansing properties. I was originally told that this product would never sell on Etsy, but it has become a best seller for me!

How do you decide on the price of your products?

For me, pricing is fairly straightforward on my bath and body products. I calculate prices based on a formula that includes what my materials and packaging cost – including the shipping costs that each item incurred – and the effort and time put into making, photographing, and promoting the item. I strive to balance a fair price for the item with a good value for my customer.

How do you market your Etsy shop?

I am currently involved in several Etsy street teams, including the Bath and Body group Etsy Green and Clean Guild, Etsy Bloggers, the Carolina Etsy team, and EAST – the EarthPath Artisans team. We group together to create awareness about our shops, our team, and Etsy as a whole. I have found great success in attracting business through my efforts with these groups.
I am also a founding member of the Shelby Craft Mafia, which is part of the great Craft Mafia organization that’s based out of Austin TX and has branches all over the world. We spend a lot of time getting the word out through advertising, craft show appearances, and networking.
I’ve dabbled in online advertisement as well, but I’ve found that to be hit-or-miss.

BBBCreations

Etsy Shop Name: Beady Bom Bom Creations

What you sell: “Simple yet Beautiful” beaded necklaces, bracelets, and rings. I am working on including lanyards, fan pulls and many other beaded items.

Tell us about your featured item:
The “Pearl Drop Lariat” is one of my favorite pieces. I wanted to show off this vintage glass pearl I found at my local bead shop. The best way was to incorporate some freshwater pearls and sterling silver components to compliment it. Of course I have one for myself as well and have received many compliments.

How do you market your Etsy shop?

I am my own walking advertisement. I wear what I make; but I also leave business cards and promotional items at offices that I frequent at. Not to mention I carry business cards with me at all times so when I do receive a compliment of what I am wearing, I hand them a couple of my cards and invite them to visit my shop and the extra card to pass it on to a friend. I also started a blog over the summer to get more exposure on the web. You can find me at http://BBBCreations.blogspot.com . Most important when I respond or compose and email, my signature line is my Etsy shop address as well as my blog.

Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners are worried about filing taxes?

I had written an article for our JET team newsletter (Jewelry on Etsy Team) a few months back on this same topic. What worries us the most is if we have kept good record of ALL expenses we have incurred through out the year. For example: mileage. Sometimes with the rush of completing a project, I run to my car and drive to the store to pick up supplies, and forget to write down the odometer reading before and after. With the high cost of gas and the speed that it rises, I cannot afford to forget. That is why it is important that if you have any questions to seek a reputable and certified accountant.

livefunky

Etsy Shop Name: LiveFunky

What you sell: Original contemporary art and archival prints.

Tell us about your featured item: Mystic Garden is an acrylic painting on 36” x 36” stretched canvas. This is my favorite painting in my shop because it conveys a very spiritual, calming and healing power. What is most exciting to me about painting abstractly is that every viewer has their own reaction and relationship to what they see. I like to think of this as a vision from a dream, being surrounded by lush green foliage, and looking through the mist into the light. What someone else sees is equally valid and real to them, which is exactly my intention. This painting is closest to my heart and soul, and the style is a direction I'd like to continue to explore in my work.

What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?

I think just being yourself is “a marketing approach” and it's the route I've chosen for myself. So all of my interactions with other artists, buyers, gallery or shop owners, is in my own true voice, and I have a pretty relaxed, open approach to life - you can see that in my work. I think it would take something away from people understanding my art if I didn't operate this way, both online and in person. As far as true marketing goes, I think it's all about just paying attention to what new opportunities are out there to promote yourself, learning each site or gallery/shop's system and maximizing your own time management. Multi tasking is the name of the game! That and making sure you take a break for air every once and a while. It can be easy to get sucked into working around the clock when there are so many things you “could be doing” - just search the word “overwhelmed” in the Etsy forums – you'll see!

Do you get stressed just thinking about filing taxes?

Yes, and I'm working on changing that.

kylieB

Etsy Shop Name: kylieB

What you sell: I sell a range of hand crocheted toys, home-wares and fashion accessories

Tell us about your featured item: This is a iPod/Cell phone purse it could also be used to hold business cards. It is made from 100% Australian wool with a crochet flower added to give it class.

Is this your first entrepreneurial adventure, or are you a seasoned veteran?

This would have to be my first ever attempt at selling my hand-made products, so for me it’s a process of tril and error until I hit the maket where I want it.

Do you hire an accountant to help with your Etsy shop finances? Why or why not?

At the moment I don’t really need an accountant, though I wish in the future I could say I need one (meaning my sales have hit the roof).

BellaBoutique

Etsy Shop Name: Bella Boutique

What you sell: Our shop specializes in accessories (handcrafted of course!) of all kinds. Our tagline of “Jewelry. Style. Famously Distinct.” Sums it up best. We feature jewelry, handbags, body products, and everything in between.

Tell us about your featured item:
We launched the Viva Handmade line in early December of last year and it has been rockin ever since. Ever so popular with the those wishing to support the handcrafted movement. These t’s and totes are silk screened in the comfort of our own homes (specifically the kitchen!) on Jersey t’s and thrifted finds – so stay tuned for unique one of a kind pieces.

What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?

The opportunity to glean more exposure for our artists is the top priority and what gets us so excited about Etsy. These people work so hard, and pour so much of themselves into their product, we would be derelict in our duties to not take advantage of such an awesome community – Etsy! A site consisting of like minded people can make the world go round. There is support in every direction, creative inspiration at every turn, and an ideal which in our eyes, completely rocks.

Do you sell in any venues outside of Etsy?

Our Etsy shop is a spin off of our Brick and Mortar boutique, Bella Boutique, in Anchorage Alaska. The shop has been rockin the great white north for over a year now, and we thought it was high time to get some of our local artists exposure on Etsy. It’s such a fantastic site and opportunity! The owners, Lena Kilic and Annie Ciszak are both nationally recognized jewelry designers with their work available in the boutique and in various shops around the state and country.

thebeadedlily

Etsy Shop Name: thebeadedlily

What you sell: My tagline is 'eclectic jewelry for eclectic people'. I make wire and beaded jewelry and other items, keyrings, eyeglass leashes, magnets, etc. My work leans to the earthy, organic side.

Tell us about your featured item: One of my latest pieces, the Sabatini bracelet, is a current favorite of mine and featured in my shop. It was created for the Etsy Beadweaver's RED Challenge. It's very piratical! It's a band of peyote stitched squares in scarlet, sangria and pale gold Delicas, divided by silver-lined red and luster berry Czech seed beads and edged with pale gold. There's some center detailing and a collection of six vintage mother-of-pearl buttons and twenty-four handformed and hammered goldfill swirls.

Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?

I hit Etsy wanting to replace my part-time income with Etsy earnings. I'm still in hobby stage at this point, but I hope to reach my goal by next year!

Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?

I'm sorry to say that I loathe it. I'm not an organized person. The hurricane starts in my mind and extends to everything I touch. My living space is messy. My work space is messy. My personal financial records are only extant by virtue of online banking. My business records are pathetic. My math skills leave a bit to be desired and my computer skills are slowly growing, but spreadsheets are a challenge. I keep trying, but I've yet to find a record-keeping system that works for me.

snowyangel

Etsy Shop Name: snowyangel

What you sell: Bold printed hand and shoulder bags, decor pillows, cat toys and pet accesories(rodent beds, dog bandanas, etc), occasionally some jewelery, winter scarfs, stockings during the holiday season, almost anything!

Tell us about your featured item: I love hand bags, what women doesn't right? The Elizabeth bag(taken from my middle name) is a mix of casual style and formal, like when dining out with the girls. I saw this fun retro fabric and new it had to be turned into a hand bag. The interior is in a rich purple tone which coordinates with the exterior blossoms but also is nice to hide those mishaps thats can happen inside purses. The handles are real bamboo wood with a worn look to them. It's very roomy and can easily fit that chunky wallet, phone, keys, and any other daily essentials. It's priced at only $22 and is my most hearted item in my shop.

Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?

It's hard to say. I'm sure some store owners just heart stores so those stores look at there site in return(like a form of advertising) but then there are those that generally heart a store because they like the items there. I've hearted quite a few stores and have plenty of items on my favorites that I wouldn't mind buying. So yes I do think there is a relationship between the sales and hearts. I mean generally speaking if a shop has alot of hearts then alot of people have seen their store thus increasing their chance of a sale. But hearts don't mean how many people have viewed your store all together either. I've had sales from people that didn't hearted me at all.

How do you decide on the price of your products?

It's a combination of things: the cost of materials, the time is takes to created the item and what other similar items on Etsy are selling for. I've been told I could raise my prices even but I want my items to be affordable to anyone who chooses to like them. I mean not everyone wants to pay $50 for a hand bag, but I know alot more people that would pay $20 for one.

teepetals

Etsy Shop Name: teepetals

What you sell: Handmade wallets, pouches, and accessories.

Tell us about your featured item:
Gosh, I have so many of these for myself. What can I say I love wallets! My featured item is my Baby Bi-fold Wallet. She is small but she sure does hold a lot. I designed and created her to hold all of your valuables but in a stylish way. There is a money slot for your bills, a zipper coin pocket, and six credit card holders. My baby Bi-fold wallets are made of 100% cotton so they are washable. :) These cute little wallets are $22.00 and can be custom made with the fabrics of your choice!

Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners consider the business side of their shop the most challenging?

You can be successful in crafting your products but you still have to be successful on the business side. On the business side you have to have a plan that works to benefit your business and your customers. Its challenging to balance your crafting, time, promoting, and networking. I think these elements are critical considering the fact that I am a one women operation. Basically, you just have to love what you do!


Is this your first entrepreneurial adventure, or are you a seasoned veteran?

Yes, this is my first entrepreneurial adventure and I am really enjoying it. I am learning every step of the way. I have finally found a way to share my creativity with the world and I am loving it!

charsbeadcreations

Etsy Shop Name: charsbeadcreations

What you sell: Earrings, Bracelets, and Rings.

Tell us about your featured item:

The item I am featuring is called “Make a Statement”. The reason I chose this item to be featured is because it is so gorgeous. This ring is made with Swarovski crystals and the ring band is made of Hill Tribe Silver. You have the freedom to choose whatever color combination you’d like to wear. I’ve made orders such as mother’s rings, sports colors, school colors, favorite colors, and birthstone rings. It’s also priced reasonably too, just $18.00. I’ve had many compliments when I wear this ring. This ring is very fashionable and will be sure to make a statement.

What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?

I think that being creative and unique in what you make will always set you apart from massed produced businesses. I personally like to make one of kind items and only make a duplicate if requested. The best part of it is that everyone will leave happy and satisfied with what they have purchased.


Is your Etsy shop a full-time job, part-time job, or hobby?

Hobby

UglyPrettyThings

Etsy Shop Name: UglyPrettyThings

What you sell: Hand made, unique, plush monsters with strong personalities. They are created from socks or fleece.

Tell us about your featured item:
I love Dexter. He has an adorable smile with little fangs. He is machine and hand sewn from a deep pink and purple sock. His face has one of the strongest personalities out of the bunch, that is why I love him.
Dexter is a party monster who loves to dance. He also loves limbo, so you better be good if you want to adopt him. He has won first place for the last five years in the Annual Monster Limbo Pageant and he intends to win again this year in Oklahoma. Adopt him today and maybe he will share his winnings with you...maybe.

Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?

Yes, I do. I think the more hearts you get the more likely you are to get a sale, especially if it is a heart on a specific item. Hearts do not equal sales though, but they do show you how many people have been exposed to your site and love it. I would say that based on the number of hearts you have about 20% to 30% of that number, not necessarily those people who hearted you, will be your sales number.

How do you market your Etsy shop?

I have business cards and a little monster booklet that comes with every monster that’s purchased. I have profiles on TalentDatabase.com, Indiepublic.com and Weloveetsy.com. My plan for the future is to distribute more business cards to public areas like coffee shops.

Susarto

Etsy Shop Name: Susarto

What you sell: I sell paintings, prints, bookmarks, and weirdo plushies mostly.

Tell us about your featured item:
My featured item is a Little Weirdo. I make several different types of them, including zombies, sheep, monkey, and piggie weirdos.

What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?

I think creativity IS my marketing method. I’m not exactly sure I HAVE a marketing method. I just try to make my best work, be nice to people, and somehow stay visible within the Etsy community.

Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?

I loathe it. I am impatient with that sort of thing, and I’m terrible at anything having to do with numbers and record-keeping. I work from the other side of the brain.

Susarto actually uses my products. Here is what she has to say about them:

I purchased the Etsy Business Manager-- Accounting and Finance Excel Spreadsheet from JJMFinance a few weeks ago. I was desperate for something that I could easily use to organize my business, as I am not even the slightest bit useful at that sort of thing. It was worth it! It is very easy to use, and does all the work for you! I’m very happy with it!

NataJane

Etsy Shop Name: NataJane

What you sell: Crocheted wrist gloves, hat and scarf sets, and ipod pockets.

Tell us about your featured item:
I am really excited about my new pockets to fashionably store your favorite ipod. I wanted to start making pieces that are not strictly for cold weather, and I think these are a good start. These are specifically designed for the nano, but I plan to make them for the other models as well.

Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?

I do consider myself an entrepreneur. I started by selling my hats and scarves, and look forward to expanding into clothing design. I’m doing this full time right now, and am excited to see my selection grow.

Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?

I’m definitely more comfortable with the crafting side of my business. I love to create things, but I never know how much to charge for them. When I post a new piece, I’m always more confident in the quality of the piece than the price.

LazyMamaDesigns

Etsy Shop Name: LazyMamaDesigns

What you sell: Quilts, Patterns, Baby Gifts, and whatever else I made this week.

Tell us about your featured item:
My Simple Snowflakes Table Runner pattern has been one of my top sellers in quilt stores across the country. It’s easy enough for a new quilter to follow, but it has enough in it to interest even experienced quilters. Plus, the finished quilt looks nice and cheery on your table all winter long!

What do you enjoy most about running your own Etsy shop?

The thing I appreciate most about etsy is the sense of community that has developed in the forums and among the members of the Cleveland Handmade street team ( http://www.clevelandhandmade.com/ ). There’s always someone willing to lend an ear, offer advice or suggestions, commiserate, support, and celebrate! Since most of my “real life” friends aren’t artsy or craftsy, the ability to connect with like-minded people online has been a great help. Plus, the Cleveys sure can cook (and party)!

Do you sell in any venues outside of Etsy?

My craft patterns are available in select bricks-and-mortar quilt stores in California, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio and Kentucky. Basically, I’m shameless about selling my patterns anywhere I’ve lived, visited on vacation, or have relatives living nearby! You can find information about where to buy my patterns on my blog, http://lazymamadesigns.blogspot.com/ .

Simply Smith Studio

Etsy Shop Name: Simply Smith Studio

What you sell: Simple handcrafted jewelry accented with gemstones

Tell us about your featured item:
My favorite piece currently in the shop is the Tarboro necklace. It is made from tourmaline nuggets and black crystals. It stands out because the distinctive cut of the tourmaline makes this simple beaded necklace an unusual piece.

Do you enjoy, loathe, or simply accept the necessity of record keeping for your business? Why?

I don’t enjoy or loathe record keeping but I am one to put off the boring task. I see it as a necessity that can help my business grow and keep me informed of how my choices have paid off.

Do you get stressed just thinking about filing taxes?

I do somewhat stress about filing taxes, mainly because the laws change every year, but I find it challenging and rewarding to do them myself.

Etsy Shop Name: ArtNouveau

What you sell: I sell jewelry made mainly of glass beads.

Tell us about your featured item:
The “Picture of Envy Bracelet” is my featured item. It is a three-strand bracelet made of glass beads and metal frames. The bracelet uses one of my favorite colors, green. This item is also in my shop avatar.

Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?

Yes, I do. By definition, an entrepreneur is a person who operates a new enterprise or venture and assumes some accountability for the inherent risks. In starting the ArtNouveau shop, I am responsible to make sure that I am making beautiful quality items and extending high quality customer service.

Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?

I enjoy the crafting side of managing my shop more. I am still learning in both areas. However, I feel comfortable with both the business and the crafting side.